A Travel Price Comparison for Hawaii Oahu vs. Hilo for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Oahu or Hilo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oahu or Hilo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oahu

Oahu is a scenic, historic, and energetic island. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Oahu and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oahu or Hilo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oahu. Although Oahu and Hilo are both popular with visitors, Oahu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oahu is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hilo is known for its food. Oahu is more touristy than Hilo and is known for its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, vibrant energy, and world class water sports (including surfing). It is also home to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Hilo is popular for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens.

How is Oahu different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilo and Oahu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oahu or Hilo?

Oahu is a great island for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Oahu offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The USS Arizona Memorial & Pearl Harbor is a moving and special place to visit, but tickets should be purchased in advance. Other landmarks around the island include the Tour Iolani Palace and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Hilo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

Is the Food Better in Oahu or Hilo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilo is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hilo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. This is the largest city on the island and you'll find a restaurant scene that caters to both locals and tourists. There are a number of local dishes that you can try such as Pla Rad Prik (a Thai fish dish), mushroom pot pie, and crab and avocado melt.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Oahu area. Honolulu has a diversity of cuisines and a cosmopolitan vibe, giving it some of the best food in the Hawaiian Islands. The local restaurants are influenced by a number of countries and often incorporate Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Portuguese flavors. Dishes are often saucy, sweet, and starchy, but you'll also find fresh tropical fruits such as mango and coconut.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Oahu is a great island for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Oahu has something for everybody. Honolulu, and Oahu, have some of the best nightlife in the Hawaiian islands. There are tiki bars and posh nightclubs that keep buzzing late into the night. Head to Waikiki for some of the island's best nightlife. In Honolulu you'll find some local bars and clubs, but many resorts also offer a great nightlife scene and a fun atmosphere that caters specifically to tourists.

Most people don't head to Hilo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Music?

Oahu is adequate for its music scene. However, Hilo is not a live music destination.

While it's not known for it's music scene, Oahu has some options for casual listeners. There are a few good venues that offer live music on Oahu.

Hilo is not a live music destination.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Oahu is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Hilo is not known for its resorts.

Oahu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The island has a diversity of resorts, from luxury 5 star accommodation to family-friendly resorts that are fun for all ages. Ko Olina is where you'll find Aulani, the Disney Resort. Waikiki is one of the most famous tourist areas on the island and you'll find high rise hotels and condos along the beach.

Hilo has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Oahu is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilo is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Oahu. Snorkeling and diving on the island is among the best in the world. There are 3 marine life conservation parks and miles of coastline to explore.

Snorkeling is an option in Hilo. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Oahu is very popular for the beach. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Oahu. From the energetic Waikiki Beach to the family-friendly Ko Olina, Oahu has some of the most famous beaches in the world. The beaches are lined with sand and some areas offer better swimming conditions than others. You'll also find beaches with snorkeling or sea turtles, and some with world class surfing waves.

Many people head to Hilo to enjoy the beach. The town isn't really known for its beaches but there are some decent options if you want to stay nearby and hit the coastline. Beaches in the area include Coconut Island, Reeds Bay Beach Park, and Onekahakaha Beach Park.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Oahu and Hilo are both places where visitors can find fantastic hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Oahu draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. World famous hikes on the island include Diamond Head and Koko Crater Railroad Trailhead. There are hikes ranging from easy to challenging and views that will take your breath away.

Around Hilo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Oahu or Hilo?

Oahu is a great island for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Oahu. There are shopping centers and malls in Honolulu that have major department stores as well as island favorites. For a local experience head to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet or wander along the Waikiki Beach Walk with its many boutique shops. Also worth a visit is the Honolulu Chinatown market.

Hilo is a good destination for shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Families?

Oahu is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Oahu is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of outdoor activities, places to learn about Hawaiian culture, and world class beaches. The most popular family-friendly area is Ko Olina, which is where you'll find the Disney Resort, Aulani. Kids will also enjoy the area's snorkeling and kayaking. Surfing lessons are a fun activity for the whole family as well.

Hilo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has an authentic and unpretentious vibe that is fun for families. There are low key beaches, farmer's markets, local museums, and nearby hiking. If you want to stay away from the larger resorts and see a more local side to Hawaii, then this is a great option.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Couples?

Oahu is very popular for couples. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Oahu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The island offers a beautiful and adventurous honeymoon destination that is perfect for anniversaries and other romantic getaways. It's an island paradise with world class beaches, stunning vistas, and countless water sports.

Hilo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting Liliuokalani Gardens, taking sunset cruises, and sampling the local cuisine. The town also makes a good base for hiking and exploring the beaches on the island.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Oahu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Hilo. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

Oahu is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels on the island. Public transportation is also a bit better than the other islands, so it is one of the better Hawaiian islands for backpackers.

Is Oahu or Hilo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Oahu and Hilo.

Public transit is mostly limited in Oahu. Honolulu has a fairly good bus system, but once you're out of the city, public transportation is limited.

Public transit is generally limited in Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

Is Oahu or Hilo a more walkable city?

Hilo is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Oahu is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown is a nice place to take a stroll, but if you want to get out of town, and you really should, then you'll need a car.

Oahu is generally not very walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods in Honolulu, but if you really want to explore the island, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Oahu Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilo or Oahu?

How long in Oahu or Hilo?

Both Oahu and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Oahu has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Oahu than Hilo. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Oahu than Hilo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Oahu, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Oahu than Hilo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oahu that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Oahu or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Oahu. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Oahu or Hilo?

Oahu is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hilo is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Oahu or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Oahu. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Hilo. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Oahu or Hilo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan island of Oahu. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid back town of Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oahu and Hilo, we can see that Oahu is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Oahu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oahu than you might in Hilo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oahu Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Oahu or Hilo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Oahu or Hilo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oahu and Hilo. Many visitors come to Oahu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oahu is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oahu in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Oahu usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Oahu gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Oahu usually receives less rain than Hilo. Oahu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oahu or Hilo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oahu as well as Hilo. Most visitors come to Oahu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oahu is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Oahu average around 80°F (26°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In the autumn, Oahu often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Oahu gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Oahu usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Oahu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oahu or Hilo in the Winter?

Both Hilo and Oahu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Oahu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

Oahu is around the same temperature as Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Oahu averages around 73°F (23°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. Oahu usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Oahu gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In January, Oahu usually receives less rain than Hilo. Oahu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oahu or Hilo in the Spring?

Both Hilo and Oahu during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oahu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oahu is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oahu in April average around 76°F (24°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Oahu. In the spring, Oahu often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Oahu gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oahu usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Oahu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilo and Oahu